You can’t put attars in just any bottle

Today’s consumers are constantly inundated with trends and fleeting fads. But what’s truly resonating with the younger crowd are things that feel more meaningful, authentic and rooted in purpose. They’re drawn to practices and designs that prioritise well-being and sustainability, moving away from the superficiality of mass consumerism. Whether it’s the rise of essential oils in self-care routines, vintage ceramics found at flea markets, or Victorian interiors filling up their Pinterest boards, the focus is on investing in something real and thoughtful.

In this movement toward the purposeful and unique, one category that’s making a strong comeback is attars—the natural, alcohol-free perfumes that have long been a part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Alongside this resurgence, the intricately crafted bottles that once housed these precious scents are also gaining attention, with collectors actively seeking out these historical vessels.

Few understand this shift as well as Tarang Arora, CEO And Creative Director at Amrapali Jewels. His latest creation—a modern interpretation of the Mughal-era perfume vessel—revives centuries-old artistry in a contemporary context. In our conversation, Tarang reflects on the inspiration behind the itar bottle, the influence of Jaipur’s gemstone legacy, and how he merges history with the evolving sensibilities of today.

Can you share with us the story behind the design of this Itar bottle? What inspired you to bring the Mughal era’s perfume vessels back into the modern world?

The inspiration for this Ittar bottle came from a desire to revive the elegance of the Mughal era and bring its artistry into contemporary life. The antique perfume vessels of that time weren’t just functional—they were exquisite works of art, symbols of refinement and luxury. We saw an opportunity to reinterpret that timeless beauty, not as a mere replica but as a modern expression of history. The choice of amethyst, with its deep, regal hues, felt like the perfect medium to embody this vision. It’s a stone that carries an air of grandeur and tradition, yet it remains undeniably timeless. Ultimately, our goal was to bridge the past and present—creating an object that respects its origins while resonating with today’s aesthetic sensibilities. We wanted this bottle to be more than just visually striking; it had to be a pleasure to hold and use, a small yet meaningful piece of history that fits seamlessly into modern life. The Itar bottle is a tribute to that legacy, a blend of history and craftsmanship.

Can you explain how Jaipur’s legacy in gemstone cutting influenced the design of this piece, and how this expertise is reflected in the bottle’s creation?

Jaipur’s deep-rooted legacy in gemstone cutting is the very foundation of this Itar bottle. We applied the city’s renowned precision, typically seen in intricate jewellery, to this larger-scale stone. You can see it in the flawless faceting and the smooth, sculpted form. That expertise allowed us to maximize the amethyst’s natural brilliance and create a piece that’s both a testament to Jaipur’s skill and a beautiful, functional object.

Could you walk us through the creative process that brought this vision to life? How did your team approach the design, and what challenges did you face during its creation?

The creation of this Itar bottle, much like our jewellery pieces, followed a structured design process that spanned approximately three months from concept to completion. Once the designs were finalized on paper, our design team and artisans worked closely together to bring the vision to life. This collaborative effort unfolded through several key stages—initial sketching, careful material selection, and meticulous refinement of details using traditional handcrafting techniques. Every step was guided by our commitment to excellence, ensuring the final piece upheld our brand’s high standards of craftsmanship. One of the key challenges was achieving the right balance between historical inspiration and modern aesthetics. Additionally, working with amethyst required precision to preserve its natural beauty while ensuring durability. Through multiple refinements and expert craftsmanship, we successfully created a piece that embodies both artistry and functionality. — This keeps it concise while still addressing the challenges.

One of the standout elements of the bottle is the bird motif. Why was this particular symbol chosen, and how does it tie into the Mughal design heritage?

I think if you look at traditional Mughal designs—especially in jewelry and enamel work—you’ll notice that birds have been a recurring motif. Peacocks and parrots are commonly seen, and even the Mughal pendants displayed in museums across the Middle East often feature eagles or falcons. That’s where the inspiration for using birds comes from, and it’s the reason we’ve incorporated one into our design.

How do you ensure that Jaipur’s rich history in gemstone cutting and jewelry making continues to influence modern designs at Amrapali?

We’ve been in the jewellery business for 47 years, and for us, it’s always been about honouring the past while creating for the present. Jaipur’s gemstone-cutting tradition is a huge part of who we are, and we’re committed to keeping that alive in our modern designs. We do this by passing down the skills, making sure the next generation understands and can use those techniques. We also believe in constant experimentation, finding new ways to showcase the beauty of traditional cuts and stones. And, importantly, our designers work hand-in-hand with our artisans, learning from each other and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We want to show the world the incredible craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations but in a way that feels relevant and exciting today.

This Itar bottle features amethyst, citrine, pearls and diamonds. What inspired the choice of these specific stones, and how do they complement the overall design?

When we chose the colors and stones for this Itar bottle, we looked to the opulence of Mughal art for guidance. Amethyst, with its deep purple, felt like the perfect representation of royalty and lavishness. We then added citrine to bring in a warm contrast, and diamonds to provide that essential sparkle and refinement. Finally, pearls, a signature of Mughal jewellery, were included for their classic elegance and sense of purity. The amethyst itself, a remarkable 164-carat stone, presented a significant technical challenge. Carving such a large piece with the required precision demanded immense skill and unwavering dedication. The intricate design we envisioned required a level of craftsmanship that truly highlights what we can achieve. Thinking about the perfect fragrance for this bottle, I envision something as luxurious and complex as the Mughal era itself. A blend of oud with rose or jasmine, perhaps. A scent that’s rich, regal, and timeless, mirroring the depth and elegance of the bottle’s design.

The use of full-cut diamonds (2.52 ct) and other gemstones like citrine and pearls must have required careful selection. How did you go about choosing the right gemstones to match the historical and artistic essence of the bottle

Selecting the gemstones for this bottle was an art in itself—a tribute to Mughal grandeur. Every stone, from the brilliance of full-cut diamonds to the warmth of citrine and the soft glow of pearls, was chosen to complement the rich depth of amethyst. We wanted each element to not just adorn but to tell a story, evoking the era’s opulence while maintaining an air of timeless elegance. The result is a piece where history, artistry, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.

In an era of fast fashion and mass production, how do you manage to keep the traditional art of gemstone cutting and intricate jewelry design alive in your collections?

In an era dominated by fast fashion and mass production, we preserve the traditional art of gemstone cutting and intricate jewellery design by prioritizing craftsmanship over speed. Our artisans are at the heart of everything we create, and we ensure their skills are nurtured, valued, and passed down through generations. By investing in specialized training and apprenticeships, we blend age-old techniques with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring that our designs remain relevant while staying deeply rooted in heritage. Each piece is a labor of love, a fusion of history and modernity that stands apart in today’s world of fleeting trends.

Looking ahead, do you envision more creations inspired by the Mughal era or other historical periods? What other types of heritage or craftsmanship might we see reflected in your future pieces?

I think we’re constantly exploring—drawing from history and reinterpreting it to create new pieces. India has such a rich and diverse historical legacy. Whether it’s the temples in the South, the Sun Temple, or the Elephanta Caves, there’s always an abundance of inspiration around us. The Mughal era, in particular, is deeply intertwined with the world of jewellery and closely aligned with what we already do. It feels like a natural starting point, especially because it’s a space we have a deep understanding of. That’s why our journey began with Mughal-inspired designs.

Lastly, the bottle’s dimensions are relatively small, but it contains a world of artistry. How do you approach the challenge of infusing such immense beauty and detail into a relatively compact piece of jewelry?

Creating immense beauty in a compact piece like the Itar bottle is a true test of craftsmanship. Every gemstone, every engraving, and every delicate curve is meticulously planned to ensure that no detail is lost, no matter the scale. Our artisans use precision and expertise to maximize the brilliance of each stone, making sure that even the smallest elements contribute to the grand vision. The challenge of working within a smaller space is not a limitation—it is an opportunity to showcase the purity of craftsmanship, where artistry speaks volumes through the finest details.

Also Read: The Wicker Story reinterprets Indian craftsmanship through the lens of eco-conscious design and a zero-waste approach to crafting